Gunther Decided To Lose Weight On His Own Without WWE Telling Him

Gunther had an amazing run in NXT UK as he became the longest-reigning champion in modern WWE by holding the NXT UK Title for a record 870 days. He would drop the title to Ilja Dragunov at NXT TakeOver 36. He also revealed if WWE told him to lose weight or not.

Gunther eventually made his way to the US as part of the NXT roster as well. Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser made their main roster debut on Friday Night Smackdown last month.

As previously reported, it was said that WWE had asked Gunther to lose weight before his main roster call up. While speaking to Sport1 in Germany, Gunther revealed that he lost weight of his own volition.

“It was completely my own initiative. For me, it was quite clear — if I want to take the next big step, I have to present more for the general public. Personally, I’ve always been a big fan of old-school Japanese wrestlers who still had a belly and looked like you’d imagine a butcher. Emulating such idols worked for me also because up to now, I’ve been there for the, let’s call it, hardcore wrestling audience.

Advertising

Advertising

In the WWE main roster, however, the conditions are different. You are on a global stage, in the mainstream. From my point of view, you have to present yourself differently. And I prepared well for that in the months leading up to my move to the USA. […] Honestly, no one can tell me that anyone who happens to turn on the TV wouldn’t think I was better and more believable the way I looked before than I do now.”

It remains to be seen how Gunther will do on the main roster. Fans certainly have a lot of expectations from him for now.

h/t to Sport1

What’s your take on this story? Sound off in the comments!